Shane Watson: Triumph, Tragedy and the Winner’s Mindset

Shane Watson. Australia’s 'Great Hope'. Now leading the way as a mental health mentor in cricket, just as he once led with runs on the board. 

Across his cricketing career, Watson batted in every position and juggled three different formats, trying his hardest to find his place on the pitch. And yet, he has an outstanding list of stats for his career with Australia; from playing in 59 Tests, scoring 3731 at an average of 35.20 and taking 75 wickets, to playing 190 One Day Internationals, scoring 5751 runs (including nine centuries) for an average of 40.54 and taking 168 wickets. Plus, he's landed 11th on the run-scorers' list for the Aussies. 

Watson knew the power of persistence and training, both mentally and physically, and is now set to help others lock into a successful mindset - one that helped reshape his life. 

Time with Hampshire (2004) 

Watson, fresh from a century on his Championship debut with Hampshire, followed it up with an unbeaten 97* against Kent in the T20. His innings powered Hampshire to 177 for 3 – then the club’s highest T20 total – and secured a place in the quarter-finals. 

A Historic Haunting (2005) 

While many England Cricket fans will never forget what happened during 2005, Watson will remember the year for a different reason. 

During Australia’s visit to Lumley Castle, with its haunted reputation and period-dressed staff, Watson was a bit “spooked out” - enough to sleep on the floor of Brett Lee’s room. 

"I didn't see anything, but it was a very spooky sort of place, and it definitely freaked me out - things that probably aren't there but some people believe are there. I think I've grown up a bit since then." 

From the Ashes We Rise (2013) 

Cricket often gifts us with memorable moments, and this year certainly provided – not for sheer greatness, but for pure ludicrousness. 

At the Ashes, England were already 2–0 down and staring at defeat in the third Test when Australia seized control. 

By end of day three, Australia was 235–3 and 369 ahead. 

The next day, Watson exploded, racing to 90. He struck one towards the boundary where Bresnan caught the ball but tumbled over the rope, turning the catch into six runs. Moments later, after five Anderson wides, Watson clipped four to reach his hundred, taking Australia to 331–4. 

Then came the farce. 

Watson top-edged Bresnan straight up, only to be ultimately dropped by Ian Bell. Furious, Bresnan reacted instantly, hurling the ball into the stumps to run out a ball-watching Watson – a wicket that happened almost unnoticed in the background, but perfectly summed up England’s Ashes unravelling. 

But with comedy comes tragedy; the loss of his close friend, fellow former Hampshire player Phillip Hughes, set Watson's life on a different course. 

Hughes, a promising Australian cricketer, tragically died in November 2014 at age 25 after being hit on the neck by a bouncer during a domestic match. 

"Facing fast bowling was always one of my biggest strengths as a batter," Watson writes. "I was totally fearless… After the tragic event, fear came into my batting while facing fast bowling. I was thinking this could happen to me as well." 

A New Chapter (2024)

Watson was led to early retirement, which he used as a catalyst to reset his mind. He met a mental-skills guru who helped him to become result-driven, not result-focused, and discovered a new way of living. 

Now, Watson wishes to help others with similar struggles and recently released a book with that exact goal in mind. 

Be Part of History in 2027 

The Ashes have always delivered unforgettable moments. In 2027, Hampshire will host its first Men's Ashes Test when England takes on Australia at Utilita Bowl. 

Don't just watch history – be part of it.